Austria and Algeria advance in 3-3 thriller, Iran eliminated after last-gasp drama
A 96th-minute equaliser from Sasa Kalajdzic sent Austria through to the World Cup last 16 and eliminated Iran in one of the most dramatic finishes in tournament history.
A frantic finale in Kansas City
Austria and Algeria played out a 3-3 draw in their final Group H match at Arrowhead Stadium, a result that sent both teams into the round of 16. The match had been billed as a potential repeat of the 1982 "Disgrace of Gijón", where West Germany and Austria played out a mutually beneficial result. Instead, the two sides produced one of the most chaotic finishes in World Cup history.
Late goals swing the group
With the score at 2-2 deep into stoppage time, Algeria's Riyad Mahrez struck in the 93rd minute to make it 3-2, a goal that would have eliminated Austria and sent Iran through as one of the best third-placed teams. Austria coach Ralf Rangnick immediately sent on striker Sasa Kalajdzic, and with virtually the last action of the game, the two-metre tall forward headed in a cross to level at 3-3 in the 96th minute.
I have never experienced anything like this, not even remotely.
- Kick-off in Kansas City
- Half-time: 1-1
- Mahrez puts Algeria 3-2 up (90+3')
- Kalajdzic equalises 3-3 (90+6')
Iran's rollercoaster elimination
Iran, who had drawn 1-1 with Egypt earlier in the day, watched the closing stages from their base in Tijuana, Mexico. When Mahrez scored, they believed they had qualified. Kalajdzic's equaliser seconds later sent them out. Iran's own match had its own drama: a stoppage-time winner was disallowed for offside after a VAR review, a goal that would have secured progression regardless of other results.
It is a catastrophic World Cup.
What comes next
Austria, as group runners-up, will face European champions Spain in the last 16. Algeria will meet Switzerland. For Austria, it is a first knockout appearance in 44 years. Iran, meanwhile, head home after a tournament complicated by travel restrictions that forced them to base themselves in Mexico and cross into the US only for matches.
Averted "Disgrace of Kansas City"
Pre-match fears of a non-aggression pact proved unfounded. Both teams attacked until the final whistle, and the 3-3 scoreline, with goals in the 93rd and 96th minutes, erased any comparisons to the 1982 scandal. Austrian TV pundit Andreas Herzog, who joined the on-pitch celebrations, joked that his suit was torn and he would sue several players.
